7 Best Flat Fee MLS Minnesota Listing Services

7 best flat fee MLS companies in Minnesota | What to consider before using a flat fee MLS service | Other ways to save on realtor commissions

When selling a house for sale by owner (FSBO) in Minnesota, posting on the multiple listing service (MLS) greatly increases the number of buyers who will see your listing. Agents use the MLS to find properties for their clients, and listings are automatically syndicated to real estate sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com.

While a traditional listing agent charges 2.5–3% to sell a home, a flat fee MLS service will list your house on the local MLS for just a few hundred dollars.

However, you'll need to consider the trade-offs before paying for this type of service.

Who should use a flat fee MLS listing service?

A flat fee MLS listing can work particularly well if you have the time and experience to sell a house on your own. 

If you decide to sell FSBO, you have plenty of flat fee MLS listing services to choose from in Minnesota.

However, if you haven't sold FSBO before, keep the following in mind:

• You'll essentially be your own agent. You'll handle pricing, showings, negotiations, paperwork, and qualifying buyers on your own. While some flat fee MLS companies offer limited broker assistance, it'll cost you a premium, and the level of service usually falls short of what a listing agent typically provides.

• You'll probably still need to pay a buyer's agent fee, since most buyers use an agent and other sellers won't make them pay for their agent out of pocket.

• The biggest potential downside of a flat fee MLS listing is that your home may sell for less than it would with an agent, despite all the time and effort you put in. Homes sold without a realtor sell for about 6% less on average, canceling any commission savings. That may explain why the majority of sellers who try the FSBO route end up listing with an agent.

If you want a less risky way to save money, you may want to consider hiring a reputable discount broker. You'll still save on real estate commissions, but you'll have a dedicated agent by your side.

» SAVE: Get a top local agent, pay half the commission

7 best flat fee MLS listing services in Minnesota

Do you need an MLS listing?

If you decide to sell without a realtor, the only way you can get on the multiple listing service is with a flat fee MLS company. The MLS is where most real estate agents find properties for their clients, and posting on the MLS is how your listing gets on home-buying websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. If you're not on the MLS, buyers will have a much harder time finding your property.

What to consider before hiring a flat fee MLS service

You’ll save on listing fees

Savings are a driver for many people who use a flat fee MLS company. You can pay a few hundred dollars to get your house listed instead of paying an agent a commission. On a $350,000 home, the typical 3% seller's agent commission would be $10,500.

You'll still have to pay a buyer's agent to negotiate against you

A flat fee MLS listing helps you avoid paying a traditional listing agent's fee, but you'll still need to cover the buyer's agent commission. Almost all buyers work with an agent, and since buyers already have to pay cash for a down payment, agent commissions typically come from the seller's proceeds.

Unfortunately, buyer's agents often have the upper hand in FSBO sales, simply because they have more experience with these negotiations. The typical FSBO seller pays more in concessions and sells for about $120,000 less than the median sale price of homes sold through an agent.

You’ll have more control over the sale

In a typical real estate transaction, a listing agent acts as an intermediary between the seller and the buyer's agent. You're often in the dark about what's going on behind the scenes. Listing your home yourself means you know what's going on at every stage of the sale.

You may miss out on leads

Flat fee MLS listings don't always get as many leads as they should. Buyer's agents may caution their clients against pursuing these types of listings because they worry FSBO sellers will be hard to work with or need extra help from the buyer's agent, which could cause a conflict of interest. 

Additionally, MLS rules require a licensed agent to post a listing. So your contact information will only appear in the Agent Remarks section on the MLS — not directly on sites like Zillow and Redfin.

Most of the time, you'll depend on your flat fee broker to forward you inquiries and showing requests. If your flat fee MLS listing agent manages a lot of listings, they may not forward leads promptly, as this Houzeo customer found out.

You can choose the services you need

Most flat fee MLS companies have different packages so you can choose the level of support you need to sell your home.

If you're not in a hurry to sell, you may not need much more than an MLS listing and a way for buyers to get in touch.

If you're on a tighter timeline or don't have much experience with selling real estate, you can choose a plan that features broker assistance with pricing, paperwork, and negotiations. While these plans cost more, they're typically still cheaper than a traditional real estate agent commission.

You'll likely encounter extra fees

Flat fee MLS companies are somewhat notorious for hidden fees, such as an extra percentage of the sale price charged at closing. Companies may also advertise a budget MLS listing, but then charge a premium for basics like listing changes, lockboxes, additional photos, and the ability to receive buyer inquiries and showing requests directly.

7 best flat fee MLS listing services in Minnesota: Full breakdown

beycome: Best for tech-savvy sellers

Pros

• You can upload photos, manage your listings, and receive and negotiate offers all on the online platform.
• Customer service is available in English and Spanish seven days a week.

Cons

• A comparative market analysis (CMA) is only available with the Concierge package.
• Only the Concierge package provides assistance with paperwork.

beycome offers three packages, ranging from an affordable basic MLS listing package to a mostly full-service package. Online reviews are positive, with reviewers experiencing a high-quality, professional experience, quick responses, knowledgeable information, and no hidden fees.

beycome does offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. But if you close, are under contract, or receive at least two credible offers within 90 days, you won't get your money back.

The Basic package provides quality elements like unlimited photos and an active listing until you sell, which is a better deal than many comparable entry-level packages. The Basic package can work well for experienced sellers.

However, the Enhanced package doesn't add as much value for the price compared to equivalent packages from competitors. And while the Concierge service provides expert support, you could potentially get more service and value from a discount listing service like Clever.

Real Estate Corners, Inc.: Best for add-on services

Pros

• The For Sale by Owner package lets you add up to 24 photos to your listing.
• The Full Representation Service provides full-service support from a licensed realtor for a fixed fee.
• You can customize the FSBO package by adding additional services.

Cons

• The cost of the add-ons can quickly add up.

Real Estate Corners, Inc. fees and services

Real Estate Corners, Inc. offers two plans: a flat fee MLS listing and a flat fee full-service realtor plan. Both plans offer good value for the price, but the For Sale by Owner plan can get pricey if you select all the optional add-on services. The Full Representation Service provides the same level of support as working with a traditional realtor but for a fixed price, which is a good value especially if you're selling a higher-priced home.

Online reviews are extremely positive, with reviewers reporting a smooth, stress-free experience, professional customer service, and fast responses to questions.

Real Estate Corners, Inc. is upfront about all costs and policies. Plus, you can cancel anytime with no cancellation fee. However, as stated on the website, you may be charged a 2.5–3% selling agent commission if your agent finds the buyer.

Home Avenue: Best for sellers wanting a full-service realtor for a flat fee

Pros

• The listing process is fast, easy, and online.
• The Full Service Realtor package provides full-service support from a licensed realtor for a fixed fee.
• All packages include unlimited changes to your listing.

Cons

• The Basic and Plus packages allow only 10 and 16 photos, respectively.
• The For Sale by Owner plans are pricey for what you get compared to similar packages among competitors.

Home Avenue fees and services

Home Avenue offers three for sale by owner packages and one full-service realtor package. The FSBO plans are pricey for what you receive, especially if you need to add on any additional services. Additionally, the Basic package isn't recommended, given the short timeline and limited number of photos for the price. However, the Full Service Realtor package offers services comparable to a traditional realtor at an affordable and competitive fixed rate.

Online reviews are positive, with reviewers reporting profession, high-quality customer service, quick sell time, and a smooth, easy process. Additionally, several reviewers were repeat customers.

Savvy Avenue, LLC: Best for experienced sellers

Pros

• All packages include unlimited changes.
• All packages include an open house on the MLS.
• The online process is simple and easy.

Cons

• The Basic package includes only six photos and a three-month listing.
• The company doesn't offer any packages with agent support.

Savvy Avenue, LLC fees and services

Savvy Avenue, LLC only offers flat fee MLS listing services, which may make their packages a better fit for more experienced sellers. The Extended plan provides good value for the price, such as ShowingTime appointments, captions, and a virtual tour.

If you think your property will be hard to sell, the Premium package may be a good option since it includes a 12-month listing and social media tools. However, the Basic package isn't recommended due to the short listing timeline and limited number of photos.

There are only a handful of online reviews available, but all were five stars. Reviewers reported quick, efficient, and knowledgeable customer service and an easy process.

You can cancel anytime with no cancellation fee. While there are no hidden fees, the website does state that the package prices don't include a buyer's agent commission.

Flat Fee Group — Greg Lawrence: Best for sellers wanting a variety of options

Pros

• The online listing process is fast and easy.
• You can add an optional purchase agreement review.
• All packages come with an express listing guarantee. Your listing will be live within 48 business hours of submitting paperwork or you receive a credit.

Cons

• The Basic package includes only six photos and a three-month listing.
• A market analysis is only available for the full-service package.
• There's little difference between the Basic and Plus packages, especially given the price difference.

Flat Fee Group — Greg Lawrence fees and services

Flat Fee Group — Greg Lawrence offers three for sale by owner packages and one full-service realtor package. The FSBO plans are pricey for what you receive. You can add an optional Purchase Agreement Review, although the cost is unclear.

We don't recommend the Basic package, given the short timeline and limited number of photos for the price. However, the Realtor package offers services comparable to a traditional realtor at an affordable and competitive fixed rate.

There were no online reviews available. That said, Greg Lawrence also works with Home Avenue. BBB reviews for Greg Lawrence of Home Avenue were limited but mostly positive, with most reviewers reporting a good experience.

The cancellation policy was not available on the website.

123 Flat Fee Minnesota: Best for sellers wanting some agent support

Pros

• Both plans offer the maximum allowed photos on the MLS and a 12-month listing term.
• The online listing process is fast and easy.
• Both plans provide a valuation report and appointment scheduling through ShowingTime.

Cons

• There are no verifiable online reviews for the company.
• At $399, its basic plan is pricier than others on this list.

123 Flat Fee Minnesota fees and services

123 Flat Fee Minnesota offers two for sale by owner plans that offer good value for the price. The Premium plan balances the flexibility of FSBO with some assistance from a realtor, such as help with pricing and reviewing sales contracts. This plan may be a good option for sellers with less experience. Additionally, a full-service option is now available, but you need to contact the company for details and pricing.

While we didn't find reviews, the company has an A+ BBB rating, and the broker has been in business for over 30 years. Testimonials on the 123 Flat Fee Minnesota website indicate prompt, quality customer service and an easy process.

You can cancel anytime, but you won't get a refund once the listing forms have been emailed or delivered.

Minnesota Flat Fee MLS: Best for sellers on a tight budget

Pros

• Both packages include a six-month listing term.
• Packages are more affordable than competitors.
• The online listing process is simple and easy.

Cons

• You don't get agent support on either plan.
• The Entry-level plan includes only six photos on the MLS and Realtor.com.

Minnesota Flat Fee MLS fees and services

Minnesota Flat Fee MLS has the most affordable flat fee MLS listing plans among the companies reviewed. Both packages let you list your property online for six months, and the upgraded package allows for 25 photos. The service is efficient, with listings reportedly going live 28–48 hours after the company receives the paperwork.

No agent support is available for help with tasks like setting prices or reviewing paperwork. However, first-time or less experienced sellers may need more help than what's available.

We didn't find any online customer reviews or information about the cancellation policy.

Minnesota flat fee MLS listing services by city

In Minnesota, you'll also find some smaller flat fee MLS companies that serve particular cities. These companies are more likely to offer flexible service packages and local expertise than national companies.

How to list on the MLS by owner Minnesota

Top alternatives to a flat fee MLS listing service in Minnesota

Sell with a discount broker

The best discount realtors offer the same services as a traditional real estate agent, but at a much more competitive rate — as little as 1–1.5%.

Some discount brokers even offer flat rates, typically starting at about $5,000.

More discount realtors are becoming available, but not all offer the same level of service, savings, and value. That's why we recommend talking to realtors from a few brokerages before making a decision.

If you want to compare your options in Minnesota, Clever Real Estate may be a good place to start.

When you request an agent through Clever, you'll receive multiple agent matches from top local brokerages, like RE/MAX and Keller Williams. You can compare agents and choose the best one for you.

Clever's agent network includes 19,000 top-performing realtors across the country — who all offer discounted rates through Clever's network. When you sell your home, you'll pay a listing fee of just 1.5% (about half the typical rate).

Try selling for sale by owner without an MLS listing

It's technically possible to sell your house without listing it on the MLS. But this method isn't likely to work unless you already have a buyer lined up.

Without an MLS listing, fewer buyers will know your house is for sale. The MLS is the main way real estate agents find properties for their clients. It also guarantees that your listing gets on popular home-buying websites, including Zillow.

If you forgo an MLS listing, you'll have to rely on less effective sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Or you can hope that a buyer sees the for sale sign in your yard.

» LEARN: FSBO vs. Realtor Facts and Statistics

FAQ about flat fee MLS listings in Minnesota